UCL Team of the Week: Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, USMNT's Weston McKennie make cut after impressive outings

The first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout round playoffs took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, delivering a host of fascinating results. While some outcomes, such as Ousmane Dembélé-inspired Paris Saint-Germain’s routine 3-0 win over Stade Brestois 29, were expected, few anticipated Manchester City pushing Real Madrid to the limit. Despite their valiant effort, Pep Guardiola’s side ultimately fell to Carlo Ancelotti’s Vinícius Júnior-led Blancos. Borussia Dortmund and Juventus secured victories as predicted, but Club Brugge’s triumph over Atalanta BC and Feyenoord’s home win against Milan were both surprises.

Champions League Midweek XI
Goalkeeper (GK): Gregor Kobel, Borussia Dortmund
Kobel kept a clean sheet and delivered a composed performance for Dortmund. In contrast, PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma looked shaky despite their dominant win over Brest. A reliable presence in last season’s Champions League final run, Kobel outperformed Timon Wellenreuther, Manuel Neuer, Anatoliy Trubin, and Radoslaw Majecki to earn his place in this team.

Right Center-Back (RCB): Marquinhos, PSG
The Brazilian marked his 100th Champions League appearance with a commanding display in Luis Enrique’s backline. While Donnarumma and Achraf Hakimi had moments of uncertainty, Marquinhos remained a calm and composed figure, highlighting his recent resurgence in form. His superb interception to deny Ludovic Ajorque was a standout moment.

Center-Back (CB): Federico Gatti, Juventus
A strong performance from the Italian defender on the right side of Juventus’ defense, aided by Tim Weah’s work at fullback. Gatti played a crucial role in setting up Weston McKennie’s goal, which secured a narrow victory over PSV Eindhoven.

Left Center-Back (LCB): Gijs Smal, Feyenoord
Feyenoord’s surprise win over Milan at De Kuip was largely due to Smal’s early assist for Igor Paixão’s match-winning goal. Despite picking up a booking, the Dutch defender played a vital role in an impressive victory over a Milan side featuring Joao Félix and Christian Pulisic.

Central Defensive Midfielder (CDM): Weston McKennie, Juventus
The USMNT midfielder produced a stellar performance, capped by a stunning goal. Once deemed surplus to requirements, McKennie has fought his way back into Thiago Motta’s plans, proving invaluable to Juventus’ midfield.

Right Midfielder (RM): Julian Brandt, Borussia Dortmund
The German international orchestrated Dortmund’s 3-0 win over Sporting CP, providing two assists. Serhou Guirassy opened the scoring before Karim Adeyemi sealed the victory. Brandt, a key figure in last season’s Champions League campaign, continues to be Dortmund’s creative force.

Left Midfielder (LM): Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid
The Brazilian delivered yet another decisive performance, assisting goals for Real Madrid’s equalizer and game-winner within six minutes. His impact helped flip the tie against Manchester City, showcasing his ability to step up in crucial moments.

Central Attacking Midfielder (CAM): Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid
Bellingham once again proved his importance, scoring the game-winning goal to complete Madrid’s dramatic comeback. While Kylian Mbappé played a role in Real’s first equalizer, it was Bellingham’s late heroics that secured victory, dealing a major blow to City’s hopes of advancing.

Striker (ST): Serhou Guirassy, Borussia Dortmund
Guirassy was instrumental in Dortmund’s victory, scoring the opening goal and assisting Pascal Groß for the second. His influence put BVB in a commanding position early on, setting the tone for their dominant win.

Striker (ST): Erling Haaland, Manchester City
Haaland’s brace initially put City in control before Real Madrid’s late comeback overturned their lead. His first goal, a beautifully constructed team effort assisted by Joško Gvardiol, showcased his finishing ability. Regardless of the second leg’s outcome, Haaland remains vital to City’s Champions League ambitions.

Striker (ST): Ousmane Dembélé, PSG
Dembélé’s phenomenal form continued with his 14th and 15th goals of 2025, leading PSG past Brest. His confident finishing underscores his transformation into a key figure for Luis Enrique’s side.